Airports

General Santos Airport conducts full-scale emergency simulation

Drill tests responses to unlawful interference and aircraft accident scenarios, enhancing airport preparedness

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Emergency vehicles and personnel stage at General Santos International Airport for a full-scale simulation designed to enhance the airport's response capabilities. (Photo: CAAP)
Emergency vehicles and personnel stage at General Santos International Airport for a full-scale simulation designed to enhance the airport's response capabilities. (Photo: CAAP)
Emergency vehicles and personnel stage at General Santos International Airport for a full-scale simulation designed to enhance the airport's response capabilities. (Photo: CAAP)
Emergency vehicles and personnel stage at General Santos International Airport for a full-scale simulation designed to enhance the airport's response capabilities. (Photo: CAAP)
Emergency vehicles and personnel stage at General Santos International Airport for a full-scale simulation designed to enhance the airport's response capabilities. (Photo: CAAP)

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) successfully conducted its second Airport Emergency Full-Scale Simulation at General Santos International Airport (GSIA) on Friday, November 29.

The comprehensive drill simulated two critical aviation scenarios: an act of unlawful interference and an aircraft accident on airport grounds. Airport Manager Jhoel Gavina confirmed a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued two weeks in advance, announcing Runway 17/35 would be closed from 2:00 AM to 1:30 PM.

The exercise began with an urgent alert from the Air Traffic Control Tower about an aircraft experiencing unlawful interference. The simulated flight, originally en route from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila to Francisco Bangoy International Airport (FBIA) in Davao, was rerouted to GSIA.

Key participating agencies included the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Unit (PNP-AVSEU), CAAP’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Service, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio L. Tamayo emphasized the drill’s significance. “This event reaffirms CAAP’s commitment to safety and security,” he said. “By conducting realistic drills, we ensure personnel and agencies are prepared to respond effectively to real-life emergencies.”

Written by
Dirk Andrei Salcedo

Dirk is the founder and editor-in-chief of Aviation Updates Philippines (AUP), a platform dedicated to providing the latest news and insights on the aviation industry in the Philippines. With a strong passion for aviation and a background in computer engineering, he manages all aspects of AUP, from website development to content curation.

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